The South Wales Star

SCHOOL TEACHERS IN CONFERENCE. j WHAT IS AND SHOULD BE. The half-yearly meeting of the Glamorgan and Carmarthen District Union of the National Union of Teachers was held on Saturday in the central lecture hall, Higher Grade School, Cardiff, under the presidency of Mr. E. Coles, Dafeii Board Schools, Llanelly. There was a large attendance, and among those present were Dr. Lloyd Edwards (member of the Barry United District School Board), Mr. Higman, Mr. Taylor, Mr. Ewbanlc, &c. A GOOD SHOW OF MEMBERS. The Secretary, (Mr. W. Walters, Merthyj-), re- ported that several new districts had become affiliated to the district union, which had a total strength of about 770 members. (Hear, hear.) THE NEXT MEETING. It was resolved, on the motion of Mr. Griffiths, seconded by Mr. Gray, to accept the invitation of Merthyr to hold the next meeting (the annual meeting) of the Union there. THE NATIONAL UNION OF TEACHERS. Mr. Brockington, B.A.. Radnor-road Board School; and Mr. Thomas, Finsbury, late of Swan- sea, were nominated district union representatives on the National Union of Teachers, vice Mjr. Girling, resigned and it was decided to issue noting papers to the representatives of the various Associations, made returnable by the ;>lst May. HAD BEEN PREVIOUSLY DISCUSSED. Resolutions, which have been exhaustively dis- cussed on previous occasions, were agreed- to. affirming (1) That the teacher's diploma shall cover the teaching of all 'obligatory subjects, and carry with it the right to exercise disciplinary control within reasonable limits (2) That taking into account the fact that many teachers Ynust-necessarily spend their lives j as assistants in large schools, it is necessary to considerably increase the maximum emoluments of certificated assistants throughout the country (3) That the compulsory clauses of the Edu- cation Act should be stringently enforced, and that all attendance cases should be heard in a place apart from that devoted to ordinary police- court procedure (4) That the practice of creating and main- taining school authorities for small districts having- proved to be injurious to the best inte- rests of national education, the Education De- partment and Parliament should be again memorialised in favour of making the areas of School Boards to correspond with those of the administrative counties of the country. The subject of the reorganisation of the district nuion was discussed. It appeared to be agreed tluit the area of the existing district is too large for practical purposes and it was proposed by Sir. Brockington that the district be divided into an eastern district, to include Monmouthshire, and a western district. He believed this would lead to greater strength in membership and increased activity in the general work of the Union in.i South Wales. The president, as a representative of a district which it was proposed to cut off- (laughter)-decla.red that if they divided the dis- tncfc they would be weakening the cause of the National Union. Eventually it was resolved to relegate the whole question of reorganisation to the executive of the district union, as now consti- tuted, the committee being- left perfectly am- fettered as to the basis they shall recommend. Mr. Tom John having expressed his belief that it would be a mistake to tie down the committee to any line of action whatever, A short address was delivered by Mr. E. Grey. vice-president N.U.T.. London, who urged the im- portance of better organisation in South Wales. A VOTE OF CONDOLENCE was passed with the relatives of the late Mr. Elmitt R. Brown, of Morriston, who had taken a very active interest in the work of the district union. A PUBLIC MEETING was held later in the day in promotion of the objects of the Union. Mr. E. Coles, the president of the district union, occupied the chair. He stated that although nine years ago there were only three associations in Glamorganshire and Carmarthenshire affiliated to the district union, yet the Union to-day embraced every teachers' association in those two counties. (Applause.) Professor Lloyd Tanner. University College of South Wales and Monmouthshire, wrote regretting his inability to be present. He had always, he said. been in favour of reducing arbitrary distinc- tions between the different branches of the pro- fession. (Applause.) Mr. E. Gray, in the course of a spirited address, criticised the methods adopted in the past by the Education Department, especially with regard to the appointment of school inspectors, whose chief qualification, he "aid, for their post was that they had never entered an elementary school until the 4ay they came to examine one. That system, they were glad to know, was being gradually broken down and for this every credit was due to the present chief of the Education Department. (Hear. hear.) The National Union of Teachers was an organisation consisting of 23,000 experts in»educational work, whose object was to mould public opinion on educational ques- tions. The speaker went on to ADVOCATE THE TOTAL ABOLITION OF PAYMENT BY RESULTS, and intermittent, instead of annual, examinations fey inspectors. It was impossible to get an accurate idea of the condition of a school by a one day's inspection. (Hear, hear.) It was inflicting a great moral injury upon the children that they should be led to look to that one day-the 1, parade day." It was absurd to call it the inspection day—as the day of perfection in clean- liness. What was wanted was that the inspector should be a constant, and a Welcome, visitor, and an adviser. At present the results of Government inspeetion were hardly worth the paper they were written^ upon. Contrasting the conditions of school life in villages and towns, he said he saw no reason why the child in the rural district should »ot work under the same conditions of light, health, and comfort as the child in the large town school. He had nothing whatever to do with the -fact that the village could not obtain the money. IF THE VILLAGE COULD NOT FIND THE MONEY, THE NATION COULD OBTAIN IT —(applause)—and no matter at what cost, the genius of every child in the country should bo pro- perly developed for the benefit of the nation. (Ap- plause.) Moving about the country as he did, he was aware that the very gravest dissatisfaction existed among the assistant teachers in elementary schools. It appeared to be thought by outsiders that the assistant teacher was merely a boy or a girl, to whom it was a magnanimous thing to pay a few shillings for pocket money The public did not recognise that some of the assistant mistresses were mothers; yet advertisements were published for adult teachers at £ 30, £ 35, and £ 40 a year. (" Shame.") Then in the ranks of assistant masters they bad University graduates holding full diplomas, and the case of these masters was almost as bad as that of the assistant mistresses. He knew that in Cardiff the state of things had greatly improved-(a.pplanse )-and he congratulated the Board upon having recognised existing facts, and shown sufficient public spirit to 15BEAK AWAY FROM THE NAMBY-PAMBYISM OF THE PRESENT AGE, and to grant fully qualified adult teachers in their schools the power of maintaining discipline in their own classes. (Applause.) Mr. Lewis Williams, chairman of the Cardiff School Board, who was well received, proposed a resolution expressing the desirability of the con- trol of education—elementary, technical, and intermediate—being vested in a single representa- tive governing body for each district (to be elected from a wide and defined area),; so as. to« secure the thorough co-ordination of all three branches. In view of the development of secondary educa- tion. he said it was most important that they should look at the question of control. (Hear, hear.) THE GENERAL CONTROL OF EDUCATION IN THIS COUNTRY WAS NOT SATISFACTORY. Five different bodies dealt with it at the present time. The Local Government Board and the Home j Office controlled industrial schools and reformatory school; the Education Department governed elementary school, and County Councils" had the control of technical instruction schools. Then, j the Art aid Science Department was controlled in another direction; while the Charity Commis- sioners dealt with intermediate and endowed schools. Now, what was wanted .was one respon- sible Minister, one responsible body—-(applause)— to have control of the whole of these systems. THERE WAS A GREAT WASTE OF POWER, OF ENERGY, and he feared, in many cases, of money. (Hear, hear.) About eight million, were spent upon education in this country and no such amount of money was spent with so little control. Men administering public funds for purposes of public education should be specifically elected to deal with the question of education. It had been a calamity for Wales that committees intended to deal with intermediate education had been ap- pointed largely through political influence. He regretted this. Whichever party resorted to measures of that kind would have cause to regret their actioa. (Hear, hear.) DR. LLOYD EDWARDS. s&id he must apologise for the absence of the Chairman of the Barry School Board. Mr. Lowdon would have been present had he been able to do so. It was a subject that gentleman had given a great deal of attention to. In every district, said Dr. Edwards, there were a body of men who took I upon themselves the charge of the educational administration. He exampled the Barry District where three or four bodies were entrusted with I' the education of the people, and in two or three cases the members of each body were the same. In fact the chairman was the same on the Technical I Instruction or Science and Art Committee, School Board and Intermediate School Committees. IT WOULD BE FAR BETTEB TO HAVE ONE EDU- CATIONAL BODY, CATIONAL BODY, I which would take over the whole of those duties, and thus reduce to system what was now without method. It would be a great advantage for all Boards, and would assist ia the centralization of classes for young teachers as well as for the employ- ment of peripatetic teachers for special subjects. In every way they should endeavour to secure a. better teaching staff. They had heard of many abuses of school management, and Mr. Grey had that afternoon given them instances of what occurred in small rural districts and in small School Boards. He was very pleased to be present for the first time with the National Union of Teachers. They had a District Union at Barry, and he was pleased to say that his colleagues and himself had always listened to what the teachers said, and had adopted their suggestions respecting corporal punishment and evening schools.' (Applause.) He had pleasure in seconding the resolution. ANOTHER RESOLUTION. Mr. Tom John (Llwynypia) submitted n. resolu- tion affirming the necessity (n) That only those who have received prac- tical and theoretical training in the science and I art of teaching should be allowed to act- as teachers in any grade of schoool; (b) That a common and inclusive system of registration of the whole teaching profession should be adopted (c) That to make the profession of teaching attractive, all ranks of the inspectorate should be open only to those who have had experience in the conduct of a school. I Mr. Waugh, headmaster of the Higher Grade School, seconded, and the Rev. Father Hayde sup- ported the proposition, which met with unanimous acceptance. On the motion of Mr. W. Brockington, seconded by Mr. E. Kent, and SUPPORTED BY MR. T. H!C.M AX. it was further resolved that in the interests of the children and of education generally, it is desirable that the annual examination in elementary schools be abolished, and that intermittent inspection bo substituted. A VOTE OF THANKS was very cordially extended to Mr. E. G-rav, vice- president, on the motion of Mr. Gray (Cardiff), seconded by Mr. Willmott (Cardiff), Subsequently a tea andsocial meeting took place.

OPENING LPOF THE NEW CEMETERY CHAPEL. On Sunday afternoon last the nowly-erected cemetery chapel at Merthyrdovan Cemetery was formally opened by the members of the Ministers' Fraternal Association. The fine weather had tempted' many persons to be present, and at the time fixed for the opening the pretty little Gothic edifice was filled, seats having to be "placed in the aisle. Those present included Captain Adams, Mr. Adams, Mr. Copp, Nlr. J. Jones, Mr. H. L Jones, Mr. Burgess, Mr. Gilead Brock. Mr. Rees Phillips (mem- bers of the Burial Board), Mr. Small (builder of the chapel), Mr. G. F. Willett (assistant clerk Burial Board) and Mrs. Willett, Rev. Llechidon Williams. Mr. Burbidge (late clerk of the works), Mr. J. R. Llewellyn, Rev. Morris Isaac, Misses Howe, Mr. Benjamin Lewis, Mr. Lewis and Miss Lewis, Mr. Morgan Davies, Mr. John. Mr. Adams, jun.. Mr. and Mrs. McGill, Mr. Benjamin Summers, MI". Jones (Holton-road), Mr. Joshua Barstow, Mr. Edward Hughes, Mr. Sam Jones, Miss Lewis, Miss S. Thomas. Mrs. Williams, &c. The proceedings were commerced bv the singing of hymn 57, Moody's Songs and Solos," Guide me, 0 Thou Great Jehovah," Rev. J. Honey leading the singing. The Rev. Canon Allen, who con- ducted, then requested Mr. Honey to offer prayer, which he did in very appropriate lan- guage. The Rev. H. Graham Payn then read the 23rd chapter of the book of Genesis, hymn No. 321, Thy God, my Father," following. The Rev. J. Matthews then read a Psalm, and the Rev. Canon Allen delivered a brief address upon the purpose for which they had assembled. At the conclusion of the address, hymn 745, "Days and Moments," was rendered, and the Rev. J. Tibbott offered an earnest prayer in Welsh. The Welsh hymn"Bydd myrdd o Ryfeddodau," was splendidly sung, and a collection was taken on behalf of the sufferers by the recent colliery disaster. The Chairman having pronounced the benediction, the proceedings terminated.

GLAMORGANSHIRE PLOUGH- ING MATCH. Mr. John Morgan, of the Cross Farm, Llan- trithyd, secretary of the Glamorganshire Ploughing Match Committee, writeo :—The financial com- mittee of this match met at, the Ivv Bush, St. Hilary, on Monday last, the chairman (Mr. Henry Thomas) presiding. The numerous subscribers will be pleased to learn that there are several pounds balance to the good, and the committee desire to express their hearty thanks to the members of the Glamorgan Hunt for their liberal contributions towards its expenses. Also to Miss Talbot, of Margam Parh Mr. A. J. Williams, M.P., and Lord Dunraveu for their special prizes (which were only promised for three years), as well as their annual subscriptions: and to express the hope that they may continue them again for the same period, in view of the knowledge possessed by them that those prizes have greatly tended to improve hedges and banks on farms in the district. Thanks are also tendered those few subscribers who are not connected with the hunt and the farmers in general for their kind- ness in heartily supporting the match.

| THE BARRY AND DISTRICT j CHAMBER OF TRADE. -+- FEDERATED CHAMBERS TO MEET AT.BARRY IN JUNE. REVISION OF RAILWAY RATES. THE CHAMBER SITS ON THE I LONDON CLEARING HOUSE. The customary meeting of the Barry District Chamber of 1'rade was held under the presiuency of Mr. D. 1\ Alexander, Dinas Powis, on Thursday night last, at Harry's Restaurant. The attendance, which was very small, included Messrs. B. Lewis, H. J. Money, B. T. Pomeroy, H. R. Paul, E. Hughes, R. L. Gordon, and B. B. Smith-Jones (secretary). The Secretary having read the minutes of the council and previous meetings, they were j approved. Afterwards he reported that he had I attended a committee meeting of Federated Chambers at Merthyr, on the 11 th inst. He suo. nutted the subjects proposed to be discussed at I the annual conference in June. Tha meeting unanimously acuepted the programme, and they have subsequently had the following circular ¡ printed and distributed :— THE FEDERATED CHAMBERS OF TKADK. Merthyr Tydfil, 14¡,11 April, 1893. Dear Sir,—The annual meeting of the Federa- ted Chambers of Trade will be held at the Royal Hotel, Cadoxton, on Thursday, the 1st day of June next, at one o'clock in the afternoon. The following subjects will be discussed :— The question of Rail way Rates. From Abe ream Cham,her. 1. The need of better facilities to get from the colliery districts to the sea board. 2. Import and export trade facilities of South Wales. 3. The need of better through communications from South Wales to London. From Barry Dock Chamber. A luncheon will be provided at the Royal Hotel. Cadoxton, from 12,30 to 1 p.m., for those who may require same. At three o'clock conveyances will leave the Royal Hotel for Barry Duck, Barry Island,' &c.. returning to the Barry Hotel, Barry, in time for the banquet at six p.m. As there are some subjects to be discussed which apply to the district of the Chambers, it is hoped there will be a good attendance of members.— Yours truly, JOHN PLEWS. Hon. Sec. POOR-LAW UNION QL'RSTIOX. Mr. Jones next submitted an exhaustive and masterly compiled tabular statement of accounts relative to the Poor-law Union administration for the district, during which it was estimated that j the cost of the erection of a building, with furui- ture included, would be about £ 15,000. We are I forbidden from publishing other important figures, at any rate, for the present, by request of the President. A lengthy deliberation ensued, and eventually, on the suggestion of the Chairman I Air. Lewis moved that a meeting be called for the 3rd prox. to discuss the desirability and importance of a separate union, and that Mr. O. H. Jones (Fonmon Castle), an expert on poor-law matters, and Major-General Lee (The Mount, Dinas Powis), together with the guardians of adjacent parishes, be asked to attend.—This resolution having been carried nan con., the President complained of the together with the guardians of adjacent parishes, be asked to attend.—This resolution having been carried nan con., the President complained of the SHIFTING OF MEETINGS from Wednesday to Thursday, and said this course was exceedingly prejudicial, He suggested that the meetings be held on Wednesdays in future at the Assembly-room of ithe Victoria Hotel, which would be placed at the disposal of the Chamber free of charge.—'On the motion of Mr. Hughes, a proposition, in accordance with the remarks of the Chairman, was passed. THE REVISED RAILWAY RATES. The Secretary said a letter was dispatched by him to the Railway Clearing House, London, in compliance with instructions re railway rates, on the 25th Feb. In reply to this letter he had re- ceived a communication couched in the following terms Dear Sir,-As the chairman of the Committee of Railway Managers dealing with the question arising out of the revised railway rates. I am desired to inform you that a very large number of modifications have been and are being made in the rates and charges of the various railway companies, which, it is believed, will practically remove all legitimate grounds for complaint on the part of traders. I .If, after experience of the effect* of the re- visions in particular rates are found to bear hardly upon business, the companies will Joe ¡ prepared to consider any such cases. Mr. Jones observed there was a scribble, sup- posed to be a signature, attached to the letter; what it was it completely baffled his comprehen- ¡ sion. (Laughter.) Mr. Lewis remarked the rates had come back pretty much to the old charges. From one com- pany he had received a return of the exclusive charge since January, and he had a promise from the Barry Company. What used to be 5s. for a two-ton truck of flour was now 5s. 2d.: for one ton 2s. 7d., instead of 2s. 6d.,as formerly. It would be seen, therefore, there was only a difference of one penny, and that, he considered, was not worth quarrelling about. Other observations having been passed by several gentlemen, the Secretary moved that he be authorised to reply to the above epistle, stating that it was very unsatisfactory in dealing with the specific rates submitted to them on the 25th February also that he should communicate with the President of the Board of Trade and Mr. A. J. Williams, M.P., asking them to support a measure which would be submitted in Parliament this week making it illegal on the part of railway companies to charge on the old rates of 1892. Mr. H. Paul seconded, and it was carried viva voce. Two or three matters of minor importance were also discussed, but the foregoing comprised the principal business. I

IMPORTANT TO BUILDERS. ■ At Pontypridd County-court (before Judge Williams), William Thompson, of Trealaw, sued Thomas Hushes for £.23 10s. 7d., half the value of a party-wall between two houses owned by !the respective parties. Mr. C. Jackson (instructed by Mr. J. >1. Jones, of Cardiff) represented the plain- tiff, and Mr. Walter Morgan appeared for the de- fendant.-It appeared from the evidence that the plaintiff's house was the first of a row of housea built by defendant at Trealaw, and that. when the walls had been built up to the top of the ground floor, he made a contract with the plaintiff to erect and complete the house for £ 250. The de- fendant finished the house, and the plaintiff had paid the agreed price, but subsequent to its com- pletion the defendant built another house against plaintiff's house, and MADE USE OF THE PARTY WALL in respect of which plaintiff claimed. It was con- tented for the defendant that when he sold the first house to plaintiff' he retained, according to the custom of the place, the right to make use of the party wall on a future occasion, but Mr. Jack- son contended that all rights in the party wall passed to plaintiff under his contract with the de- fendant, who was liable for half the value of the party wall.—His Honour held that there was a custom in the-district whereby a man, who, after building a house, sold it to another, reserved the right to the subsequent use of the party wall; but when a builder built a house under a contract with the building owner all rights in the party wall belonged to the building owner and not to the builder, and gave judgment for the plaintiff with costs on the higher scale. '— I

CO AGULINE.—Cement for Broken I rticles. 6d. and Is.; postage, 2d. Sold ever/when., home and abroad.

CARDIFF BOARD OF GUARDIANS. ANNUAL MEETING. BE-ELECTION OF CHAIRMAN AND VICE-CHAIRMEN. The annual meeting of the Cardiff Board of Guardians was heid at the Workhouse on Satur- day, when there was a full attendance of guar- dians. Alderman Jacobs, occapying- the chair (pro. tern.) proposed the election of Dr. Paine as chair- man for the ensuing year, and in the course of his remarks, said the doctor had beaten the record, having- made the largest number of attendances during the year. — Mr. O. H. Jonea secouded the motion, which was supported by Mr. Herne, and carried unanimously. -Dr. Paine then took the chair amid applause. In reply, he said the duties of the office were so onerous that he thought the time was fast ap- proaching when they should be placed in younger and more efficient hands.—The Rev. J. Buckley proposed, and Mr. Frank Beavan seconded, the re- election of Mr. O. H. Jones as senior vice-chair- man. The motion having been carried nem. co?i and Mr Jones having replied, Colonel Woods moved that Mr. Plain be re-elected as junior vice- chairman. Mr. Rees. Penarth, seconded, and that also was agreed to.-The standing committee were then elected. ¡, ELY SCHOOLS COHIAflTTEE. Mr. Ramsdale, in proposing the adoption of the report of the Ely Schools Committee, which had I, met and made certain suggestions to improve the position and status of the school, said the com- mittee was most anxious that the school educa- I. tionally should stattd as high as others in a similar position, and he believed the most satisfactory I results would ensue. Tkrough the appointment of an additional teachel* they would receive a grant, which would partly cover the salary.—The Rev. J. R. Buckley predicted that an improvement would soon be noticeable in the condition of the school. A change had became necessary, and the com- mittee a suggestion, he believed, would work well m the interests of the school.—The report was approved and adopted.

THE TRAIN SERVICE TO PORTHCAWL. IMPROVEMENTS FROM MAY 1st NEXT. Dr. T. C!arrets Horder, Ca,rdiff, has just received an important communication from the directors of the Great Western Railway Company to the effect that. having carefully considered his suggestions respecting the train service and excursion arrange- ments to and from Porthcawl, thev had decided that from May 1st next, the 8.:30 a.m. fast tram from Cardiff should call at Pyle. and a branch train leave Porthcawl at 8.55 a.m. in connection With it; also that the 3.10 p.m. train from Bristol leaving- Cardiff at 5.5 p.m. be extended to Porth- cawl. As regarded the running of excursiou trains, the local officers would be instructed to arrange such additional trips as might afford all necessary facilities, but with regard to the running z, of such trains on Sundays the directors were of opinion that then' was not sufficient demand for them to warrant their keeping the line open, that requiring the attondance of a numerous staff, who would thus be deprived of the rest they new enjoyed on Sundays.

I SEAMEN'S ADVANCE NOTES. DEPUTATION TO MR. MUNDELLA. It has been finally arranged that Mr. J. n. Wilson, M.P., and other members of Parliament will introduce a deputation, repsessnting the various branches in the kiajdom or' the National Ijnion of Boarding Masters aud Tradespeople to Mr. Mundella, President of the Board of Trade1, to ask him for his support in the introduction ot a measure by which boarding masters and trades- people will be enabled, to recover payment for food, necessaries, and outfit supplied to seamen, t.he present system of advance notes ha. viag-been declared by the Court of Queeqjj Bench to be useless. 1 At a meeting of boarding masters it was deeided to send a letter to the Shipowners' Association asking them to receive a deputation for the pur- pose of settling the mode of payment of seamen's debts which should be adopted in the port of Cardiff until such time as a proper legal advance note was provided by the Government, The boarding musters have declared tuemselve^ ready to give a guarantee to re-fund auy money which may be paid OIl behalf of sea aeu who may depart t their ships before leaving the port. A COMPLETE: DENIAL. A Western 3lail representative had a conversation with Mr. J. Harrison, the local secretary of the Sailors and Firemen's Union on Tuesday, m the course of which the latter gave a complete denial to the statement of Mr. Jobson (Messrs. Gueret's nianager), .published in the H estern. Mad on Monday, that the crew of the steamier Allonby was "dragged off the ship by the Unionists at Barry," and that many of the iueu are crvingf their eyes out because they have lost their situations. The men, Mr. Harrison stated, had given notice to leave the ship dur- ing the homeward voyage, and whun the Allonby reached Harry she left before the Union officials came Oil the scene at all. With regard to the allegation that Messrs. Gueret have paid 28s. a week for a year past," this, Mr. Harrison j states, is also incorrect, for as recently as last Christmas they paid 30s. to their men. and only a month or two previously they even paid 32s. 6d. "We never pay off our men," observed Mr. Jobson, in addition. True," replied Mr. Harrison a but why? Because this avoids1 the engagement of riggers for deck work and other hands for duty below during cargoing, the contract for which costs on average about £ 16 or £ 18 per cargo, whereas the same work done by the crew on day wages costs scarcely £5 or £ 6." The crew of the Allonby, Mr. Harrison went on, came off voluntarily, and would not go back on any consideration under the full rates. It is stated that the chief mate (Mr. Hill) and the second mate of the steamer Hurworth, belonging to Messrs. Ropner and Co., have been peremptorily discharged by the mast at Penarth Dock owing to their refusal to accept the federation ticket. It is said, also, that Mr. Morris, the chief officer of the steamship Harlsey, belonging to the same owners. and lying at Cardiff, has also been similarly dealt with on the same grounds. The steamship Bengar, was the only boat which signed articles at Barry Dock on Tuesday. and the Union rates of wages being observed, no resistance was offered.

EAST GLAMORGAN CONGRE- GATIONAL ASSOCIATION. QUARTERLY MEETING AT POHTH. The quarterly meeting of the Congregationalists of East Glamorgan has been held at Porth. under the presidency of the Rev. J. Roberts, Nantymoel. There was a large attendancc.-The Rev. W. I. Morris was appointed to represent the conference on the English Congregational Total Abstinence Society and the Rev. J. Davies (Taihirion) on the Missionary Society.—A vote of sympathy was passed with the relatives of the victims at the Great Western Colliery disaster, and urging upon the Churches in the division to make collections in aid of the funds.—Resolutions were passed in favour of the Liquor Traffic (Local Control) Bill, the Welsh Local Veto Bill, and the Suspensory Bill. A resolution was also adopted vigorously protesting against the alleged unscrupulous method of clergymen and others in obtaining signatures for petitions against the Suspensory Bill.— fhe Rev. J. Davies (Taihirion) mo red a a resolution rejoicing in the increased interest taken in the teaching of Welsh in day school?.—A letter of transfer was granted to the Rev. T Cynonfardd Edwards, D.D.. who is about to embark for America. <

j AT PONTYPRIDD. IMPORTANT QUESTION" FOR THE R.ATE. PAYERS. At the annual meeting of the Pontypridd Lecal Board held on Friday. Mr. D. Leyshon was nnani- mouply re-elected chairman, for the ensuing- year. A deputation waited upon the Board askin"- them to take steps for eliciting the feeling of the rate- payers with regard to the proposed incorporation of the town, but it was resolved to adjourn the question for a fortnight. It was reported that there was at present a g-reat scarcity of water in the town. Mr. Rees, the surveyor, reported that over nine miles of the subsidiary sewer had t)een eom- pleted out of the nineteen miles which have to be done. A vote of condolence with the relatives of the victims at the Great Western Pit was carried unanimously. ACTION FOR BREACH OF COXTRACT. At Pontypridd County-court (before Judge Williams) Messrs. Tucker Bros., of Abergavenny, sued Messrs. Norman Bros., of Trealaw. of £59 damages for breach of contract in respect of the delivery of flour. Mr. Plews (instructed by Mr. Jacobs) appeared for the plaintiffs, and Mr. C J Jaoksoa (instructed by Mr. J. H. Jones) repre- sented the defendants. Several witnessess on each aide wer.t called, and ultimately his Honour gave judgment for the plaintiffs for HI 13s. with costs. NO STRIKE. A conference of representatives of employers and workmen engaged in the building trade was held on Saturday evening at the New Inn Hotel. Pontypridd, to consider the notices served by i employers demanding a reduction in Wales of Id. per hour on and after the 1st of May next. After a consultation a compromise was effected by j splitting the difference between the parties, so that from the date mentioned the wages will be reduced from 9d. to 83d. per hour. ° ANOTHER MYSTERY. The body of an infant was on FÚday evening found floating in Lock Dynea of the Glamorgan- shire Canal at Treforest by John AIarb. the lock- keeper. The body. which has bean examined bv Dr. Hunter, is that of a nawly-born mala child. with a piece of old flannel tied around it with a sord. The skull is cracked and much bruised. and the arms also are injured. It is conjectured that the body has been in the water for nine days. Two or three weeks ago a six-months-old child. which has not yet been identified, was found drowned in the river Taif at Treforest under similar circumstances.

BRIDG END NOTES. A BRIDGEND MAN IN TROUBLE. At Cardiff Borough Police Court Oil Friday— before the stipendiary magistrate (Mr. T. W. Lewis), Dr. Paine. Mr. John Jenkins, and Mr. C. H. Evans—a young man named Thomas Hov/ells, of Bridgend, was charged, on a warrant with un- lawfully, by certain false pretences, obtaining of Morgan Lake, manager to Thomas Evans, srocer, of Bute-road. Cardiff, the amount of 2s. 4d: and 13s. 8d. in money, the moneys, goods, and chattels of Thomas Evans, with intent to defraud, on the 6th of April.—Mr. A. Rees appeared for the prisoner. Detective Gretton deposed to receiving the prisoner into custody at Bridgend on the previous day. and charging him with the offence. He replied, I am not aware that my account was olosed." The Magistrates Clerk explained that a cheque had been given the prosecutor signed by the prisoner, on the London and Provincial Bank, and on it being presented to the bankers, it was found that prisoner had closed his account. The Stipendiary—Do you thiak you would he able to prove that prisoner had knowledge of his account beinsr closed ? Inspector Hayward—Yes, your worship. I wish to ask for a remand in order that the bank manager may attend. The prisoners was then remanded for a week, bail being allowed, himself in £ 50, add sureties to a like amount. ASSAULTS.. Frederick Kingman, collier, Abergwvnfi, was charged on Saturday at the Police-court with assaulting Sarah Jenkins, neighbour, and ordered to pay costs, £ 1 8s.—Richard James, Blaengarw. was charged with assaulting Margaret Davies, of the same street. Dismissed. DEAR SPORT. j John Williams, collier, Blaengarw, has been sent to goal for ten days in default of'paying a fine ( of £ .2 for game trespass on Miss Talbot's propel ty at Margam. 1 THE PRIMROSE LEAGUE. In celebration of Primrose Day. the Ogmorc Habitation of the league held a conversazione at the Town-hall, which was largely attended and proved a great success. Vocal aud instrumental selections were rendered at intervals, and Mr. S. H. Stockwood delivered an address. BREACH OF COLLIERY RULES. On Saturday Win. Davies, collier, Tynewydd. was charged by Mr. D. Sims Rees, colliery manager, with a breach of bye-law 67 of the special rules of the colliery, and was fined £1 including costs. FOND OF PIGEONS. Joseph Williams. James Fowler, and William Bowen, youths, of Pontycymmer. were charged at the police-court with stealing fourteen pigeons, the property of Willia,m Martin, Blaellgarw Huts. Fowler, who had been previously convicted, was sent to gaol for a month, and the other two were fined £ 2 each. INTERESTING PROCEEDINGS. At the Police-court on Saturday John Evans, victualler, Bridgend. was summoned by the Ogmore and Garw Local Board in respect to a nuisance at Gareg-road, Pontycymmer, he being the receiver of the rents up to a certain time. since which rone have been paid. Order made with costs.—The same Board charged Mr. J. W. Morgan, builder, Bridgend, with a similar offence at the same place. An order was made to abate 1 the nuisance, but in a different manner to that required by the Board.—Mr. Morgan was also charged by the Bridgend Loc-il Board with allow- ing a house at Bridg-end to be occupied without due notice and certificate of completion. The case was dismissed.-An application for a case was refused by the Bench, the Magistrate's Clerk re- marking that the Board could proceed without this formality. The decision was stated to be that j of a majority of the Board.

THROAT ISUTTATION- AND COUGH.—Soreness and dryness, tickling and irritation, inducing cough and affecting the voice. For these symptoms use Epps's Glveerino Jujubes. In contiet with the glands at the moment they are excited by the act of sucking the Glycerine in these agreeable confections bccomcs actively healing Sold only in boxes. 7M., tins. Is. ITVI., labelled '"JAMES BPPS and Co., Homoeopathic. Chemists. London. Dr. Moore, in his work on Nose and Throat Diseases," says: "The Glycerine Jujubes prepared by James Epps and Co., are of undoubted service as a curative or palliative agent," while Dr. Gordon Holmes, Senior Physician to the Municipal Throat and Ear Infirmary, writes: After an ex- tended trial, I have found your Glycerine Jujubes of considerable benefit in almost all forms of throat disease." [2 CONSUMPTION Cubed.—An old Physician, retired from practice, had placed in his hands bv an East India Missionary the formula of a simple" vegetable remedy for the speedy and permanent cure of Con- sumption, Bronchitis, Catarrh, Ashma. and all Throat and Lung Affections, also a positive and radical cure for Nervous Debility and all Nervous Complaints. Hav- ing tested its wonderful curative powers in thousands of cases, and desiring to relieve human sufferiug, I will send free of charge, to all who wish it. this receipt in German, French, or English, with full directions for preparing and using. Sent by post bv addressing, with stamp, naming this paper, Dr. J. P. 'MOUNTAIN. IS, Ltoion, W.

| PESTARTH POLICE COURT. MONDAY.—Before Colonel Guthrie and Majer Thorn ley. ASSAULT AT THE DO-K. Carlo Rota, was charged by Nicoli Machvall*. outfitter, Penarth. with an assault on the 13th ins, Mr. Ward (\-V¡.rd and Gill) appeared for the prosecution. Nicholi Machvello. 12, Dock-road, Penarth, said on the 13th inst. defendant was there with a | crowd. Carlo Rota, the defendant, with -)°rf e ? had some disagreement. and defendant, came up, threatened to blind him and then threw him in the dock. He (witness) j .-old ium if he was going to strike him he had better do it then whilst there were people about. A policeman came up and separated them, anti he witness went", to another pare of the dock. Defendant followed him and struck him. Dock-constable Josiah Saunders corroborated, tmd. defendant was fined 5s-, iticlu iin^ cost?. SUED FOR WAGES. William Greenwood, sailor, sued Elward Parry pilot, Penarth. for 17s. 6d.. balance of wao-es dne. Prosecutor had been paid 22s. I)d., but he cuimed that' he had been entraged at 25s.. and it was for the balance of the seven weeks' w--t,zi that he now sued defendant.—Defendant's wife corroborated, but. the magistrates dismissed the case. THE DKUNKARDS' LIST. Rose Julia Peters was charge on the information of Police-constable Edward Pirsous with being drunk and disorderly on the 17th inst. & Fined 5s., including costs, or i-even davs. SON'-PAYMEXT OF RATES. Isaac Davies. Penarth. was sued for £ 11 7s. 6d. for rates, Henry Saddler for a sum of £2 4t Henry Testorosi for 15s. 7d., aad John Matthews for £ 1 2s. 8d. for rates. An order for payment was made in each case. WOUNDING A KOBBLER. rreJ Rees was charged with assaulting Joha Skinner at Penarth on Saturday last. Prosecutor said he lived at 37. Lord-street. Penarth. He was a hobbler. On Saiurdsy evening, about 11.30, he went home. Prisoner, his brother-in-law was there. sat in his (prose- cutor s; chair in the kitchen. He sat down quietly, and prisoner said, There's JJhÙLlj Maoqcuro, the bum." The Magistrates' sOIerk—Have vou bean drink- ing Proseeutor—No, I haven't. The Magistrates, however, thought he had. and the case was adjourned for a week."

PROPOSE D RUL W A V | EXTENSION. INTERESTING TO BARRY. The doubling of the Great \\Riilwfty bridge over the Taff River at Cardiff is now J approaching completion. Messrs. Taiiling and Elliott, 28, Victoria-street, Westminster, are the contractors, and they estimate that the four addt- tional lines thus acquired will bd readv for traffie in about a mouth, the work consisting in erecting two abutments and six piers side bvside with those of the old-bridge, the total length of the masonry being over 350 feet. Piles were first driven in, and when the water was pumpad out the stone- work was laid down to the solid rock. The firm have been less than twelve months at their task. and this must be regarded as remark- ably expeditious, oonsidering that bridge had also to be built over the Penarth-road and another over Clare-road, besides widening the embankment between these points. The Penarth-road bridge is intended to carry the Barry line to the docks, where the station will be built. The etnbank- mi nt, <fcc., are in the hands of Mr. John McKay, of -Newport, but the plans for the station have not yet been finally settled. Neither have those of the proposed Riverside station in Penarth-road, which will accommodate the Taff and Barry Traffie. The extensioa of the Great Western Railway Station itself will take the form of an entirely new departure platform for London and an island plRtform for general purposes.

GLAMORGANSHIRE AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. At the show to be held on July 26th and 27tk this yeat at Bridgend, the Glamorganshire Agri- cultural Society offer the sum of £212 in premiums for the cattle section. £ 64 for sheep, £ 36 fur pigs, £ 110 for horses, £ 16 for dairy produce, and £ 10 6s. 4d. for best general collection of imple- ments. In their report to the general meeting the committee expressed regret that there is so large an amount of arrears or subscriptions. Under the circumstances, the committee are compelled to look to the gate money as the principal meaut of obtaining funds to curry on the annual shows, whereas the subscriptions should be the mainstay of a county agricultural society, and gate money an auxiliary thereto. The total receipts for the year, exclusive of treasurer's balances, *#» £313 12s. 2d., and the total expenditure, exclusive of the sum invested in consols, £ 290 Is. 9,1.. thus leaving a sum of £ 23 IDs. 5d balance oa tite year in excess of expenditure. Oll the total acjount, inclusive of balances, there is a sum of g 1.05 3s. Sd. balance due from the treasurer to the society! The committee have purchased £ 247 4s. consols! in order to bring the capital sum invested up to £ 1,000.

THE SHIPPING CRISIS. HOW IT HAS PROGRESSED AT BARRY. On Thursday morning, at Barry Dock, the weekly steamer Boileau (Gueret and Co.) pro- ceeded from the graving dock to the roads with onlv two hauds on board. Two others who refuged to join in her had two day's' pay due to them stopped, but through the intervention of Mr. J. Ha.rrison, local secretary of the Seamens luiion, the money was duly paid. The vessel had on board' a nuinbet- of firemen who have agreed to a wage of 28s., but failing to secure sailors", the master came on shore aud even offered 30s. per week. These tarms they discountenanced unless he gave 30s. to both sailors and firemen. It will bu seen that the matter in dispute only amounts to £ 1, and for this paltry sum the owners are put to considerable unnecessary expense. THE ACTIOX OP THE SAILORS in this case gave general satisfaction to the frater- Rity. and were warmly complimented by their comrades. The s.s. Nedged still remains in the Roads awaiting a crew from Cardiff. The sailing- ship Forest Hall gave the required £:), whereas the Collom, only offering £ 2 15s. per month, is conse- quently blocked. There were several vessels lying- in the Roads which had been blocked at other ports. During the past week or two Mr. Harrison has receiver many congratulatory letters from members of he Union at foreign ports upon their continued success at Barry.

SERIOUS ACCIDENT AT COGAN. At about; 6.30 on Saturday morning a man named Thomas Richards, foreman platelayer ia the employ of the Taff Vale Railway, whilst push- ing a oogey up the incline at Cogan. was over- taken by an angine. which dashed into the bogey, smashing it to atoms and seriously injuring Richards. Dr. Nell, of Penarth, was immediately sent for, and found that the unfortunate mas. had been seriously cut on the righ side of the head and bruised-bout the body. Although Dr. Nell succeeded in restoring Richards to conscious- ness, be was unable to give any account as to how the accident occurred.

LlfiUM CATHARTICUM PIBL agree; bfr ,ileriert, ?.d., 19, lid., ?=. td. Of all Chemi ts.